May
01
Guess what, my fellow fashionistas and Project Runway-lovers? Last Saturday, I got to meet the fabulous fashion icon, Tim Gunn! Tim hosted a complimentary fashion show in Kansas City, featuring the Spring 2012 collections from Kate Spade
and Lucky Brand Jeans.
I loved all of Tim’s fashion wisdom and advice during the show. My favorite Tim tip was to make a simple outfit “wink” by adding a funky, flourescent accessory. And at this show, there were plenty of funky accessories!
Astroturf bag by Kate Spade:
Straw hat with convenient built-in sunglasses:
Make a simple outfit “wink” by adding a fun accessory! -Tim
Everywhere I turned there was another photo opp, so of course I snapped quite a few pictures. Here are some of my favorites from the show:
I loved the great show of color in so many of the new designs!
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Dec
08
In my opinion, inspiration is a gift to be cherished, used, and then passed on to others. That’s a huge part of why I share my experiences on my blog with you. While I draw much of my own inspiration from women of the past —especially The Woman’s Institute founder, Mary Brooks Picken— I am fortunate enough to have so many inspiring women in my own network and community today!
I was lucky enough to be in the company of two amazing teachers last week:
1. Linda Lee of The Sewing Workshop
2. Martha Stewart (more…)
Dec
06
“Aren’t we all just tired of things? Nobody wants to buy things anymore. We want experiences.”
These were words spoken in a panel discussion at the Creative Connection Event this past September. They attest to the fact that more and more people are understanding the great value of handcrafted goods and personal connections to our work. This sentiment is — I believe — at the heart of the DIY “Revolution”. In the handmade market, the buyer and the seller often experience a connection over the purchased item. The buyer knows the seller created his or her work because of an authentic interest, which also adds to the experience. With the trendiness of upcycling and refashioning, the materials themselves might even have a back story all their own — adding to an even deeper experience. (more…)
Jul
11
From glamorous to outrageous, edgy to sophisticated, the annual 18th Street Fashion show in downtown Kansas City is always a sight to see. And while the topic of high fashion may seem 
somewhat out of place in my world of vintage, I couldn’t help but share with you some of the undeniably vintage-inspired elements that I noticed throughout the show. (more…)
Jul
07
One of my favorite ways to celebrate the Fourth is by doing it small.
Here in Kansas City, our friends celebrate every year with the Cherry Bomb neighborhood parade in their cul-de-sac. The ritual of planning our red, white, and blue attire and decorating the kids bikes made for a creative day with great photo ops and memories! Not to mention some fireworks that the dads seemed more interested in than the kids…we’ll call them Pyro Pops!! (more…)
Jun
29
I have to admit that summer is my favorite time of year. I love being outdoors and I find that some of my most creative moments are when I sit on my deck amidst the trees and flowers, or enjoy my early morning walk, watching the neighborhood wake up. I love breathing the fresh air and sunshine — and just being.
Summer is also the time that we love to go on vacations with our families. The kids are out of school, so trips to the beach, lakes or theme parks are on the lists of many Americans. I always look forward to going our cabin in Michigan where our family stays for a month of lake living. I can’t wait!
However, I enjoy the summer in my own city, particularly in June. I don’t have to travel across the country to find a wealth of wonderful adventures right here in my own “backyard”. (more…)
May
31
Saturday night I saw Janelle Monae in concert..an amazing experience! She did an incredible performance of “Smile” (wish I would have taped it with my iphone but I was entranced), a song that originally appeared in the 1936 movie Modern Times, music by Charlie Chaplin. Nat King Cole sang a beautiful version..later Judy Garland, Elvis Costello, and Michael Jackson were among those who performed the melody.
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Dec
20
If you live in the Kansas City area, I’m sure you have already heard that Deb Dusenberry, proprietor of the fabulous Curious Sofa, is closing her Prairie Village store on Jan 15th. Why? As Deb said on her blog, she’ll “post [her] personal story about it later.” For now, though, I think it’s important that all of us realize that this is simply a retail store closing. Mind you, no one has ever run a store with the beauty & vitality that Deb did with The Curious Sofa, but it’s still just a store.
When I recently spoke to Deb, she told me that she was going to be refocusing her time on her web site, expanding the number of items she has, as well as bringing in new discoveries. Knowing her as I do, I’m sure the web site will be given the same special touch she always gave the store.
I’ve known Debbie for a number of years and there is one thing of which I am absolutely certain: Deb’s genius will eventually find an even greater stage and her boundless devotion to sharing her creativity will live on. Someone with all of that talent must create, and we are all the better for it.
Debbie, thank you for making our lives a little more beautiful. While we will certainly miss you and your great staff, know that you’ve made an significant impact on the design scene. Each and every one of us is sorry to see the store close but excited to see what’s next in line for you.
~ Amy
One last thing…Deb is having a monumental sale in order to clear out the inventory and fixtures in the store. Be sure to stop by for a visit..the sale starts on the 26th…
Nov
20
More Joyous Blur…
In addition to the opening night activities shown in the previous post, the book launch offered me the opportunity to collaborate with some of my favorite retailers in Kansas City. Here are a few pics sharing some of our displays and activities.
TomBoy – this signing event was held during First Fridays in The Crossroads and included a vintage fashion sale (see Laura McGrew TomBoy Design owner’s daughter) modeling one of the fashions. Emma had fun at the event as well!! This collection was part of the Garment District Museum’s collection of fashions…I came home with a dress, hat and muff. What fun! This was also planned to coincide with the meeting of the Kansas City chapter of the Fashion Group. Mary Brooks Picken was one of the founders of this exceptional organization focused on the business of fashion.
Urban Mining – this signing was held during the monthly mining event (First Weekend of every month). Secely created a wonderful display of fashions from the book. I enjoyed meeting many customers, all with similar passion as I for all things vintage. Every month is a fabulous event! Don’t miss a month!
Curious Sofa – my dear friend, Deb Dusenberry, hosted a sale and signing. Here is the display she architected in the center of her fabulous store. Deb is an amazing visual artist who has been an inspiration since I walked into her store in downtown Kansas City 10 years ago. Lucky me…her current location is in Prairie Village, just a few miles from my home.
Thank you again to everyone who made this weekend so gratifying.
